The Chartered Institute of Horticulture’s annual general meeting concluded with a prizegiving ceremony recognising the exceptional contribution of horticulture professionals and students over the past year.
The Aberconway Award for best horticultural dissertation was awarded to James Douglass from SRUC. James’ thesis investigated the relationship between different populations of the Scots Pine pathogen Curreya spp. and the impact of current and future outbreaks. The award commemorates Lord Aberconway who contributed personally and financially to the establishment of the Institute of Horticulture.
Eileen Sung was the recipient of the Norah Stucken Award in recognition of her impactful community horticulture initiatives including the establishment of Lennoxvale Tree Nursery, a partnership between San Souci Residents Associations, The Conservation Volunteers and Queen University, Belfast.
The President’s Award was presented to outgoing Honorary Treasurer Gabriel Roe FCIHort, having served two full terms of office his careful management of the financial health of the Institute included navigating the global pandemic. Gabriel has had a distinguished career as Chief of Plant Health and Head of Horticulture for the Department of Agriculture in Ireland and has consistently advocated for the profession having served on the Institute’s governing Council and Ireland Branch.
Land-based workforce consultant Ros Burnley FCIHort (Hon) was awarded an Honorary Fellowship. Ros will be familiar to many in the industry for her work spanning research, skills planning, project management, teaching, and content development. She has been the coordinating force behind the development and review of apprenticeships in arboriculture, horticulture and landscaping through the Trailblazer groups.
Applications for the 2025 award are currently open, to learn more about this opportunity, interested candidates should consult the CIH website or contact the CIH Membership and External Relations Manager Helen Sessions: developmentofficer@horticulture.org.uk
